Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Buena Park, CA: $69,627 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Buena Park, CA earns a median $69,627/year (≈ $33.47/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in Buena Park's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $61,562 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.3% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Buena Park can expect a median annual salary of $69,627, reflecting a competitive market that surpasses the national median by about 15.71%. Salary ranges in the area indicate variability, with earnings spanning from $45,729 at the lower end (P10) to $106,747 for the highest earners (P90). These figures are based on 2025 BLS data, projected for 2026 with necessary regional price adjustments pertinent to the cost of living in Buena Park. With a vibrant residential service sector, the potential for commission and spiffs adds an appealing dynamic for those engaged in sales-driven roles, thereby enhancing overall income and making this an attractive field for driven professionals amid a growing demand for HVAC services.
About the Buena Park Market
Salary estimated from California average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,729 | $21.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54,685 | $26.29 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $69,627 | $33.47 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $87,104 | $41.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $106,747 | $51.32 |
Median Salary Position
15.71% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Buena Park
In Buena Park, CA, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $61,018 (2026 est.). At $69,627, the local median is 15.71% above the national median of $60,174.
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At 40 hours/week in Buena Park: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Buena Park Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares
Buena Park median: $69,627/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Buena Park Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $68,733 | +1.30% more |
| National Average | $60,174 | +15.71% more |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Buena Park, CA earn a median of $69,627 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.71% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 1.30% above the California state average of $68,733.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Buena Park has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Buena Park, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $69,627 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $61,562 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$53,566
2025 BLS Actual
$67,065
2026 Current Est.
$69,627
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Buena Park (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,566 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,611 | Actual |
| 2021 | $53,456 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,490 | Actual |
| 2023 | $62,987 | Actual |
| 2024 | $77,884 | Actual |
| 2025 | $67,065 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69,627 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72,287 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Buena Park metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 25.2% from $53,566 (2019) to $67,065 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $72,287 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,721 (34.95%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Buena Park metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.82% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $45,729 – $54,685 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $54,685 – $69,627 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $69,627 – $87,104 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $87,104 – $106,747 |
HACR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Job Market in Buena Park
The local job market supports around 20 heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Buena Park, pointing to a specialized but potentially lucrative niche. With a cost-of-living index of 113.1, technicians must navigate the financial terrain carefully to optimize their take-home pay. Among employers, residential service companies such as Carrier dealers and franchises like One Hour Heating & Air typically offer competitive compensation models, influenced heavily by commission structures. Those focusing on commercial contracts or specialized sectors like data centers may benefit from more stable pay conditions and overtime opportunities. The variation in salaries within Buena Park can often be attributed to specialty skills required, certification levels (such as NATE and state licensing), and exposure to the booming demand for heat pumps and other energy-efficient technologies. To maximize earning potential, pursuing diverse certifications, staying updated with industry innovations, and considering self-employment options may prove advantageous in this evolving market.
More salary data for Buena Park, CA:
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Rate in Buena Park, CA
- Entry-Level Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Buena Park, CA
- Senior Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Buena Park, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Buena Park, CA in 2026?
Is Buena Park, CA a good place to work as a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer?
Can heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make $100K in Buena Park?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Buena Park?
How much does a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per hour in Buena Park?
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Written by Jordan Lee, HVAC Technician
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in HVAC systems. He specializes in residential installation and maintenance.
Methodology & Data Source
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $67,065 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the Buena Park metropolitan area. A 3.82% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Buena Park is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.82%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers (SOC 49-9021).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, HVAC Technician, a licensed heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov